The scholars might not have looked like losing this one, again blessed with the No 1 ground, but until the last 10 minutes they led only 10-6.

You can't go past Varsity scoring three tries to none, although the last two came in the final 10 minutes, one a 50-metre runaway by Paul Tietjens. Varsity is fourth after a slow start to the season.

The first half had been even but Varsity was more sound across the field in the second half, dominating the lineouts and stealing three of Marist's throws, prop Grant Polson taking the ball up well while Louis Maxwell was again the star of the backs. Fullback Brent Stevenson was playing well until subbed.

 Manawatu fullback Francisco Bosch came off the bench at fullback for Varsity in its win over Marist and after an hour Welsh lock James Goode made his entrance in the same game and excelled in the lineouts.

No 8 Sililo Sae, lock Dallas Vince and flanker Elisha Leota featured for Marist, which only came close to a try near the end.

At FMG Stadium:
Varsity 22 (Hamish Clare, Paul Tietjens, Cameron Craine, tries; Isaac Thompson pen, 2 con)
Marist 6 (Jason Temara 2 pen)
HT 7-0.